Marjane Satrapi, French-Iranian author of 'Persepolis,' dies at 56

Marjane Satrapi, the French-Iranian author, illustrator, and filmmaker best known for the graphic novel and film "Persepolis," has died at age 56.

The French presidency confirmed her death Thursday. The Washington Times reported that Satrapi died Wednesday and stated she died "of sadness."

Satrapi was the author and illustrator behind the graphic novel series "Persepolis," which was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film. Her graphic memoir brought the human cost of Iran's Islamic Revolution to millions of readers around the world, according to the Washington Times.

"Her passing marks the loss of a leading figure of French culture and an artist devoted to freedom, whose work carried a universal message and earned her immense international acclaim," the French presidency said in a statement.

Satrapi was described as a Franco-Iranian author and film director who received international recognition for her work. She was known as both an artist and filmmaker whose graphic novel and film "Persepolis" earned critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination.

The French presidency described her as an artist devoted to freedom whose work carried a universal message. NBC News characterized "Persepolis" as a popular graphic novel series and film.